A Bridge To Somewhere ~ But Who Will Use It?

Carpentersville -For many years a new bridge has been discussed at the North end of Kane County. This past year a task-force was formed  to discuss how to make this often talked about bridge a reality. Kane County created this task-force to put together a plan for a Toll Bridge that would connect Rt. 62 to Randall Road. This toll bridge would be called the Longmeadow Parkway bridge corridor.

After several months of studies being done and extensive discussions with the State of Illinois on whether or not this bridge could be a toll bridge. It now seems more and more clear that this is a very bad idea. At first, I must say that I was in support of this plan. But after learning all the facts and details it is in my judgment a bad plan, that will not reach the goal that it was meant to achieve.

The bridge would be too costly and the return back from the tolls would not be able to cover the expense. What the studies have indicated is that it would cost $1.50 or more to cross the river. There comes a time when you have to just say it ~ This is a bad idea! It will not work. That $1.50+ per trip prices most people out of using the bridge. The price per trip is the deal breaker. If people are not going to use the bridge, then there really is no reason to build it. This bridge only makes sense if it would be used to relieve the pressure off of the other existing bridges in the area. This plan does not do that.

This would not help the economy of Carpentersville. I do not favor moving people out to Randall Road so that they can shop in other communities.

Don’t get me wrong, I do support more bridges in the Northern Kane/Southern McHenry County area, but this idea is not the solution to our problems. I no longer support this plan. This is not the fix it was sold to us to be. Trying as we would to make this “work” is not going to make it any better.

The traffic studies have shown that this will have little or no effect on the traffic currently using Rt. 62, Rt. 72 or our Main Street Bridge. The major reason is that the cost of the toll on the bridge would be too high. Those most likely to use this bridge would be those who drive gravel and cement trucks who get paid by the load. This would of course negatively impact Carpentersville. We would get the added pollution from this unwanted truck traffic and considerable traffic noise without gaining any benefits.

Therefore, I will be at the public hearing to oppose this bridge.  I support a local bridge and I also support us doing an extensive review of our traffic problems in the region and then decide where bridges should be added in Dundee Township.

I have spoken to our Congressman Bill Foster about this and he is in agreement that an over-all traffic study is needed to determine where bridges are needed in our area. We do need bridges that work for all of us.

Please attend the public hearing on the bridge. Those who are attempting to build this bridge deserve to know what you think. Whether you support or oppose this bridge this is your chance to speak up and be heard. This is an important decision that is going to be made. We need to hear from YOU!

The Public Hearing (Open House Format) will take place on:

• Date:       March 26, 2009
• Time:       4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
• Place:      Randall Oaks Golf Club

All correspondence regarding this project should be sent to:

Kane County Division of Transportation

Attn.: Steve Coffinbargar

41W011 Burlington Road

St. Charles, IL 60175

Phone: (630) 584-1170 E-mail: planningstaff@co.kane.il.us